The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is one of Kraków’s most iconic places — a medieval trade hall standing in the middle of the Main Market Square that for centuries combined market, representative and cultural functions. For families with children it can be a real source of stimuli: colorful souvenir stalls, short and striking “stories” to tell about Poland’s past, plus the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art and terraces with views over the Square. In short: Sukiennice mixes a stroll, shopping, a coffee stop and — with a bit of planning — an educational museum visit, all within a short walk that children can handle.
Good news for parents: the ground floor of the Cloth Hall with its stalls is publicly accessible and can be visited without a ticket, which is perfect for short outings with little ones. If you want a longer visit, the first floor houses a gallery run by the National Museum, and the museum offers family tours and workshops (check dates and reservation requirements ahead of time).
For children, Sukiennice is also a great starting point for the rest of the Old Town: St. Mary’s Basilica, the Rynek Underground, short walks along the Planty and ice cream at a nearby café — everything just minutes on foot.
The ground floor is a run of traditional stalls with souvenirs, handicrafts and small gifts. Kids love spinning trinkets, colorful magnets and toys with Kraków motifs. It’s a good spot for quick purchases and to teach a child how to choose a souvenir sensibly (limit, budget, pick one item to remember the trip).
You can view the stalls without tickets, and a visit can take as long as you like — from 10 minutes to an hour depending on children’s interest. If you plan to shop, avoid the busiest hours (typically late morning to mid-afternoon in the high season).
Note that aisles can be narrow and crowded at peak times — with a larger stroller it’s often easier to leave it briefly just outside the busiest passage and walk through the stalls with your child.
The gallery on the first floor is one of the National Museum’s key exhibitions. For younger children a traditional painting gallery can be a short but engaging break — especially if you choose selected rooms and show 2–3 paintings instead of trying to see the whole collection at once.
The museum runs guided tours and educational activities aimed at families and children — these often take place on weekends and usually require booking. These sessions are shorter and interactive, so they work well even for early-school-age children. Check availability and reserve places in advance.
Tickets are paid; the museum offers regular, reduced and family tickets and provides child-friendly facilities. Prices and concession rules may change, so check current information on the museum’s website or at the ticket office before your visit.
The National Museum in Kraków regularly prepares educational programs for children: art workshops, family tours and special themed events. Many activities have limited places and require prior reservation by phone or online.
If you plan to visit with children, check the museum calendar and sign up for a workshop — it’s a great way to introduce kids to art through play. Workshop fees are usually affordable (often a modest amount per person) but can vary by edition.
Also look out for special museum days or anniversary events at the Cloth Hall — sometimes the museum offers family tours at promotional prices or additional activities alongside larger celebrations.
Sukiennice has been adapted to visits by people with different needs. As part of modernization, a lift was installed to facilitate access to the gallery and terraces, which helps parents with strollers and visitors using wheelchairs. The lift includes buttons with braille markings.
There are toilets equipped for people with disabilities, and one of them includes a baby changing station. Public toilets near the Square often have extended opening hours — a big help during longer walks in the center.
If you need a cloakroom, remember that the main cloakroom may be partially accessed by stairs — in such cases the museum provides alternative solutions (an additional cloakroom or staff assistance). For strollers, ask staff where to leave a larger buggy while you visit tighter exhibition spaces.
Choose morning hours or late afternoon if you prefer fewer crowds. The busiest times around the Square are midday and early afternoon during the tourist season.
Check the gallery’s opening hours and any closed days in advance. If you plan a workshop or guided tour, book ahead (often a week or more is advisable).
Bring comfortable shoes and spare water for the children — a Market Square stroll, short queues and trips to nearby sights usually take longer than expected. On hot days bring hats and sunscreen for little ones.
Keep an eye on bags and small items — the Square can be busy and it’s a good idea to pick a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
On the ground floor of the Cloth Hall there is a café and a museum terrace — convenient for a short break with children. Consider visiting the historic Café Noworolski, operating since the early 20th century, which has a long tradition in the Cloth Hall. The museum terrace is also a nice spot for a snack with views of the Square.
Around the Market Square you’ll also find many family-friendly places — from simple bars and milk bars to restaurants offering children’s dishes. If you want a quick, low-stress meal, choose places with clear kids’ menus and space for a stroller or a changing table.
For coffee and cake, look for cafés noted as family-friendly — local parents often recommend places with changing facilities and a dedicated area for families.
The Rynek Underground is an attraction for slightly older children — an interactive, multimedia story of Kraków’s history that can interest kids from about 6–7 years old. Wawel Castle is within a short walk and offers shorter family-friendly routes.
St. Mary’s Basilica is a must-see — the hourly trumpet call (Hejnał) from the tower is a short, iconic moment that often impresses children. A walk along the Planty park is a good option for a break and a safe place for smaller children to run around after intense sightseeing.
Street performers and short shows often appear on the Square — an extra, free attraction that children usually enjoy.
Trying to see everything in one day — it’s better to plan shorter, themed visits and save something for next time. Children tire quickly, so a “Cloth Hall + Wawel + Underground + Kazimierz” plan for one day can be too ambitious.
Not booking workshops in advance — if you want museum activities, reserve early because places can be limited.
Starting your visit at the busiest hours — mornings and late afternoons are quieter; avoid midday if you want to skip crowds and queues.
Can I bring a stroller into the Cloth Hall? Yes — there is a lift and spaces adapted for stroller access, though some areas around the stalls may be tight. Ask staff for guidance if needed.
Is the museum child-friendly? The museum offers family activities and guided tours; the traditional painting exhibition can be interesting for older children, while workshops are a better option for younger visitors.
Are there changing tables and family toilets? There are toilets adapted for people with disabilities and one includes a baby changing station; the city center also has public toilets with extended opening hours.
Do I need a ticket to go to the terrace? Access to the museum terrace and the gallery is paid; the ground floor stalls are free to enter. Check current prices and opening hours on the museum’s website before your visit.
The Cloth Hall wasn’t just for trade — for centuries merchants from across Europe met here to exchange goods and gossip. You can compare it to today’s shopping center, only with history stretching back hundreds of years.
The first-floor collection was once one of the inaugural seats of the National Museum — it’s a nice story about how art used to be stored and shown in the past.
The Hejnał from St. Mary’s Tower, played every hour, is a short tune with a centuries-old tradition that you can listen to while standing on the Market Square.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other families plan their visit to Kraków.
If you’d like a personalized tour of the Cloth Hall and its surroundings, consider arranging a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private guide is often the best way to tailor the route to children’s ages and interests — the guide can help plan timing, reserve workshops and recommend the best family-friendly places to eat.
Have a wonderful visit to the Cloth Hall and many smiles during your family walks around Kraków!
